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USSA Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

Membership in the United States Ski and Snowboard Association is a privilege, not a right. All USSA members (athletes, coaches, and officials) when participating in any USSA activity must agree to conduct themselves according to USSA’s core values of Team, Loyalty, Integrity, Respect, Perseverance, Accountability and Courage and abide by the spirit and dictates of this Code of Conduct. All members must agree to comport themselves in a sportsmanlike manner, and are responsible for their actions while attending or participating in all USSA activities (including but not limited to camps, competitions, and projects).

Sportsmanlike conduct is defined as, but is not limited to: respect for competition officials, resort employees, fellow members, and the skiing and snowboarding public, respect for facilities, privileges and operating procedures, the use of courtesy and good manners, acting responsibly and maturely, refraining from the use of profane or abusive language, and abstinence from illegal or immoderate use of alcohol and use of illegal or banned drugs.

While participating in any USSA activity:

USSA members shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the International Ski Federation Statutes, the United States Olympic Committee Bylaws, the USSA Bylaws, and the USSA Code of Conduct.

USSA members shall conduct themselves at all times and in all places as befits worthy representatives of the United States of America, the United States Olympic Committee, USSA, their region, division, state or club and in accordance with the best traditions of national and international competition.

USSA members are responsible for knowledge of and adherence to competition rules and procedures. Members are also responsible for knowledge of and adherence to the rules and procedures of the USSA national teams, camps or other projects when participating in such.

USSA members shall maintain high standards of moral and ethical conduct, which includes self-control and responsible behavior, consideration for the physical and emotional well being of others, and courtesy and good manners.

USSA members shall abide by USSA rules and procedures while traveling to and from and participating in official USSA activities.

USSA members shall abstain from illegal and/or immoderate consumption of alcohol. Absolutely no consumption of alcohol is permitted for those individuals under the age of 21. Members under 21 years of age shall not participate in gatherings involving consumption of alcohol unless it is an official USSA or event organizer function.

No USSA member shall violate the customs, travel or currency regulations of a country while traveling with a USSA group or on a USSA ticket.

No USSA member shall commit a criminal act.

No USSA member shall engage in any conduct that could be perceived as harassment based upon gender, age, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation.

USSA members will avoid profane or abusive language and disruptive behavior.

USSA members agree to abide by anti-doping rules and procedures established by WADA, USADA, and/or FIS.

Failure to comply with any of the above provisions may lead to disciplinary action by the appropriate team or competition leader. Disciplinary action may include:

- Removal from the team trip or training camp.

- Suspension from training and/or competition.

- Elimination of coaching, travel, and other benefits.

- Forfeiture of USSA membership.

USSA is committed to principles of fairness, due process and equal opportunity. Members are entitled to be treated fairly and in compliance with USSA’s Bylaws, policies and procedures. Members are entitled to notice and an opportunity for a hearing before being prevented from participating in protected competition as that term is defined by the USOC Bylaws. Information on the processes for grievances, suspensions and appeals is available at www.ussa.org.

Nothing in this Code shall be deemed to restrict the individual freedom of a USSA member in matters not involving activities in which one could not be perceived as representing USSA. In choices of appearance, lifestyle, behavior and speech while not representing USSA, competitors shall have complete freedom, provided their statements and actions do not adversely affect the name and reputation of the USSA. However, in those events where one is representing or could be perceived as representing USSA, USSA demands that its members understand and agree to behave in a manner consistent with the best traditions of sportsmanship and USSA’s core values.